The Last Place to Go

by Boxhead Ensemble

Overview

The Boxhead Ensemble is a collective of ever-changing musicians that provides the soundtrack for the film Dutch Harbor. Featured on this record are Will Oldham, of Palace fame; Edith Frost; Ken Vandermark; and a host of others. Last Place to Go was recorded during the European tour of Dutch Harbor. The musicians provided improvised accompaniment to the film each night. The highlights of the tour recordings are collected on this disc. Most movie soundtracks lack unity and focus, but this album proves the opposite. Despite the fact that the songs are culled from a month's worth of recording, they are consistent and full of energy. The instrumentation ranges from cello to drums, sounding at times like classical music and at others mellow jazz and country. The film, a black-and-white documentary, explores the lives of Alaskan fishermen, and the music embodies the harsh but beautiful landscapes. At times, voice-over narratives can be heard in the background, making for some haunting moments. A wonderful guitar drone is the focus of "Coastal Boarder," and "Dust and Rain" begins with a woman's story of life at sea. The final track, "Far Gone/Big Sky," is a 16-minute piece that wanders between lilting melody and ominous space, the album's best piece. The improvised music on this record is intelligent and subtle, providing a consistent listen. [An edition was released with a bonus disc featuring the songs "Black Dissimulation," "Solo," "Send in the Clowns," "Who," and "Big Sky."] ~ Marc Gilman

Product Details

Release Date:	10/20/1998
Label:	Atavistic
UPC:	0735286199628
Rank:	221634

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Introduction
2. Coastal Boarder
3. Nobody
4. Dust and Rain
5. Fading Cold
6. Two Ravens
7. Carolyn's Theme
8. The Last Place to Go
9. Choices Made
10. Deep Sea
11. Far Gone/Big Sky

Disc 2

12. Black Dissimulation
13. Solo
14. Send in the Clowns
15. Who
16. Big Sky

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Boxhead Ensemble   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Michael Krassner   Engineer
Braden King   Engineer